How can a car be changing velocity yet not changing speed?

Speed is a scalar, which means the car's speed will be a value that has a magnitude (number) only. Velocity is a vector, which means that the car's velocity will be a value that has both magnitude and direction. In this case, the car is changing its direction of travel but the magnitude of the speed stays the same.

JL
Answered by Jade L. Physics tutor

4849 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do I derive equations for Time of Flight and Range in Parabolic Motion?


Explain the photo-electric effect and how the particle theory of light explains the phenomena. State the equation used to the determine the kinetic energy of a photo-electron and explain the origin of the terms used in your equation.


A ball is rolled, travelling 10 m north in 5s, then 10 m east in 10s. What is the total distance and average speed of the ball? What is the total displacement and average velocity of the ball?


A bullet is fired horizontally from a gun at a height of 1.5m at 280m/s. Calculate the time taken for it to hit the ground. A second bullet is fired from an adjacent gun at 370m/s. Calculate the distance it travel before the first bullet hits the ground.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning